Blessings Abound!!

Well the Wonderful Holiday Season is winding down.........the Christmas Rush is Through (Karen Carpenter).......so to speak.  I just cannot express the warmth in my heart for all the blessings in my life.  We have had an amazing Christmas!!!  With incredible family time and I absolutely cherish every bit of it!!  I realize that this world we live in........occupies so much of our family time.  I think in simpler days.......family time was exemplified in different ways......and I'm so grateful for the small, woven- in samples of life that resemble those simpler days.  Oh of course the technology of our moden day living is ever present......we just did "FACE TIME" today on the new iphone 4s *(which is WAYYY COOL, I might add) but just that element of being at home and being TOGETHER--in the simple daily routines.........breakfast, laundry, listening to each other share stories that are all too often wedged aside to the back burner of family conversations.......only to await when that OPEN spot reveals itself ........and there is enough quietness for reflection, rememberance, and recall and then POOF......those stories emerge....the kids are talking, playing games and really CONNECTING with each other...over warm, delicious chocolate chip pancakes......or steamy, hot cocoa overflowing with marshmallows AND whipped cream (yeah--we do it RIGHT!).......and that is when we (the parents) can really take it ALL IN........and let it simmer.---THAT is what I absolutely TREASURE MOST!!!!!
Happy 2011 to ur family.  May the days ahead be Merry and Bright!!!!  And May U open ur heart to Christ......if u haven't already......and if u have......may u strive for a greater closeness in deepening that relationship with Him!! 
DAY 9: FamilyTime